Police have launched investigations after a man hacked his neighbor to death over alleged charcoal theft in Mwala, Machakos County.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday July 11, 2024, in Kithuiani village, Ulaani sub location.

The incident was confirmed by the police boss in Mwala sub county, Nancy Jerobon, who explained that a 35-year-old man reported the incident at Kathama police post after committing the crime.

Jerobon said that the perpetrator proceeded to track down the victim and attacked him with a panga, killing him on the spot.

“The assailant assaulted the victim by striking him on the head and left leg with a machete, causing severe injuries that led to the victim collapsing on the ground.”

Subsequently, the suspect surrendered to the Kathama police post and was taken into custody following the incident.

Mathias Mwanzia Kitheka, the man who reported the theft of his charcoal, accused his 51-year-old neighbor, Attanus Mutiso Kithande, of the theft.

The officers discovered Kithande’s body with severe injuries at his house.

The deceased’s body was taken to Matuu Level 4 hospital’s mortuary for further examination.

In a separate incident, a minor from Tente village in Nyamira county was reportedly attacked by their neighbor with a machete.

The minor, a grade seven pupil at Tente Primary School, was allegedly assaulted by Peterson Nyakundi after being accused of stealing honey from Nyakundi’s beehive.